New to rollers

[Andy_G]

I cannot believe how hard it is to use them.
I thought id buy a set because i have heard only good things about them, i knew it wouldn't be easy but Jesus its a nightmare, unfortunately i cant ride between door frames and my hallway is a weird shape.
I had about a 10 minute bash in the garage but with one hand on the wall and then id swap sides but i didnt have the balls to just let go.
Has anybody got any tips please.

 

[Mr Haematocrit]

Pedal and don't look down, look forward.
What do you feel the issue is.... are you stable and balanced on the rollers?
What kind of experience do you get from the bike, does it feel as if its going away from you, or going sideways?
Are the rollers set up correctly?

As you live reasonably close to me Andy I would be happy to come and give you some pointers if you want.



What rollers do you have?

 

[Herzog]

Agreed with Mr H, don't look down and don't attempt to steer!

 

[Spinney]

When I had a set I made a little platform out of some offcuts of wood - went over the frame but under the top strand of the belt. This meant I could put my feet 'on the ground' to get on and off, instead of the floor being several inches too far away to reach. May help a bit...

 

[Andy_G]

I might have to take you up on that Mr H thx.

I guess a little is nerves due to falling off in the garage which will hurt like hell.
I have my palms flat on the wall so i can just lift them off a bit at a time, but im trying not to steer but its swerving all over the place and im keeping my pedals stroke smooth and consistant.
Im not sure if the swerving is due to me leaning a little towards the wall though.

Ive seen that clip before thx, and it doesnt help she makes it look to easy lol.

 

[Mr Haematocrit]

Its swerving all over the place because your lacking balance IMHO, the fact you look for support also indicates this.. Don't worry your not the first to discover this. The first thing you need to do is accept this, and understand that the rollers will help this greatly. Ultimately practice means you will be able to ride closely in a group more effectively.
Try letting a little air out your tyres, this will give you more grip on the rollers, prior to putting your bike on the rollers place it in a medium gear and focus on pedaling smoothly while leaning up against a wall or door frame (don't hold onto the wall as it twists your torso and unbalances you)
When you are pedaling smoothly and comfortable doing so sit the bike upright.


If you need a hand Andy give me a shout good luck

 

[MickeyBlueEyes]

When starting pedal slightly faster than you normally would on the road, have the bike set in a gear you can accelerate in before you start.
Move the bike via your body weight, do not steer.
Loosen your arms/hands, a death like grip will only exaggerate your movement.
I look through my bars down towards the front wheel.
By knowingly moving your hands/arms slightly you can control how much the front end moves, doing this as opposed to having to correct/over correct when you think you're moving too far over the roller means you are in control.
LET GO OF THE WALL ! ! It's making it harder.
Try, try, try again.......
Get a big fan when you've got the hang of it......
Enjoy......

 

[jdtate101]

Tips:

Hands near the stem NOT on hoods.
Get it in a high gear (big ring only), rotational speed is what keeps you stable.
Look ahead, but not too far. Tip of your wheel is best.
Relax your shoulders and arms, tense up and you will wobble.
Don't try and steer, shift your weight very slightly to move left or right.
Don't ever stop pedalling if you wobble, push harder (see point 2 above).
Don't bounce or stamp on the pedals, smooth and silky is the only way, or you will be unstable.
Use a chair or desk, not a wall. This way you can hold on and pedal and as you get stable just lift your hand slightly to get a feel. It's then very easy to put your hand back down.
Make sure the tyre pressures are high otherwise it will feel 'squidgy' and be harder to pedal.
You will need a fan as you cannot wipe down using a towel, except when you get pro at it that is!!!

For a real challenge try rollers on a TT bike...it's fun..honest!!! (actually I find it easier than my road bike as you're naturally very still on the ski's, but you do have to push it, normally in 53x12 @ 50kph)

 

[zizou]

Good advice from everyone. One thing i'd add is make sure the front roller is in the right position, if it is a bit too far back or forward then it can make things difficult.

Also dont be too disheartened, most of us were like this at the start!

 

[DooDah]

I am afraid I have never used them but a friend does and he put a cheap IKEA clothes rail next to him so that it helps with initial balance, and he can stop and start without fear of falling over. Might be worth a go, acts a bit like a handrail I guess.

 

[hobbitonabike]

I had my first go on rollers last weekend...I was pooping myself!!!I did Iit Iin the doorway and after a few tentative starts I decided that if I was coming off I was coming off with style!!! And lo and behold...it was easier than I thought...and I bloody loved it!!! Especially when the boy child announced very loudly...wow Mum you're miles better than dad at that!!!

 

[XRHYSX]

I've never used them personally,but the 7yr old use them at his cycle club, they put them right up against the wall and balance using their sholder until they get used to it, other than that just what people have said on here, good luck, I'm sure youl get the nack soon

 

[S1m0n]

When I first started using them I fell off them a couple of times, put skid marks on the kitchen floor and squashed the kitchen bin. I do think it's a good idea not to be clipped in at first as being able to put your foot down won't hurt you confidence. I found it was the over correction of steering inputs then would affect your balance and fetch you off if you have nothing to hold on to.
It's all really about time on them. I've had mine about a year now and can have a drink, mop my brow, ride no handed and even ride out of the saddle to relieve the inevitable discomfort

 

[biggs682]

having only tried rollers once many moons ago i still recall how daunting they were , just keep plugging away it will come

 

[Tyke]

Only been on them a couple of weeks but found it easier setup close to the wall just using your elbow for a slight support if needed instead of trying to hold on.

Riding faster is better once you learn to relax it smooths things out. I use a step to get on that lets me keep the bike upright to set off and gives me something to put my foot on when I stop without the massive drop.

The more you relax the smoother it is but if you do lose the front end off the roller stop peddleing and hit the front brake and it`s only like slowly dropping the front wheel off a kerb not a big fall.

It gets easier after the first few rides and is far more fun than a turbo.